The definition of chick flick is meant to be derogatory. It was probably created by a man. It denotes a film that appeals primarily to women. Over the years the term has become somewhat less negative, having attained the status of genre, a category of film. Like any other categorization, it may be helpful, but it is not fool-proof.
To some extent this designation is about intention. The screenwriter has created the film with the specific intention of appealing to a particular category of viewers…in this case, women. There is something legitimate about that. I completed a screenplay recently which fits the category, and I have to admit that when writing it I was aware of the fact that I was careful in preserving its appeal to women. That’s a marketing issue, and one which a screenwriter has to address.
However, to say that a film is a chick flick does not by any means limit the appeal to a specific category of viewer. Maybe more women than men will buy tickets to see the film, but it may also attract a good number of other viewers … in this case, men. It may be that the movie, E.T., was intended for children, but its appeal for adults was such that it became a “must-see” for an entire population, adults included.
“There are those times when all the forces at work come together and you have a masterpiece. This, of course, is a kids’ movie. Obviously, it is so much more. It is a story of love and heart and character.” (review)
My motivation for writing about chick flicks is that my wife and I went to see Eat, Pray, Love last night, its opening night around the country. We were surprised that the theater was only about 1/5 full. There has been a lot of promotion of this film, and it stars Julia Roberts, one of the most admired screen stars of this time. The film has received a variety of comments from those who are supposed to know about such things; much of it has been “ho-hum.” We loved it.
That “we” included me. I thought the film was relevant, touching, and beautiful to watch. The storyline was clear and consistent, and I thought Julia Roberts was outstanding. I was jealous of the choices of venue for filming. At times the film made me hungry … literally. Pizza and spaghetti scenes were so beautifully filmed as to make me want to rush home and fill up a plate with pasta and my wife’s excellent marinara sauce.
The spiritual aspect of the film was handled with an intelligent approach. Not syrupy, and not bowing to tradition. Traditional attempts to approach God were futile and the characters said so. The essence of a faith experience was less mechanical and required more intention and vulnerability.
The attempt to experience love as an exclusively sensual and tactile thing resulted in fumbling and frustration. The experience of love as a sacrificial and life-changing experience was transitional and moving.
If those cinematic qualities are wasted on men then I failed. And I take it from comments overheard in my eavesdropping on exit conversations that I was not the only male who thought so.
Photo Credit: third_party_photo
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I also like Chick Flick. Cant wait to see the movie tonight if it was not for your article i would not have known about this movie yet.
I want to say a big thank you and i look forward to sitting down and watching the movie tonight.
I look forward to seeing it! And I think “chick flick” is a really interesting term having much more depth than one might think … just like a “chick flick”